Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s vastly underated mare Platelet took her winnings over the million dollar mark today with her thrilling victory in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.

The daughter of Strategic was sent out at the remarkable starting price of $8.50 for the set weights & penalties race, considering the is a dual Group 1 winner at Morphettville earlier this year, taking out the Sportingbet Classic (1200m) and Goodwood Stakes (1200m).

Platelet jumped nicely from the gates and jockey Michelle Payne always had the 5yo perfectly placed in the run with cover before giving the mare full rein at the 400 metre where she sprinted to the lead and defied all challengers in the run to the line.

Regular ride Ben Melham was unable to ride Platelet due to suspension and Michelle gave him much of the credit for providing her with some valuable pre-race riding instructions.

“I rang Ben Melham this morning because he’s had recent success on her and knows how to ride her well and he just said to get cover because she’s got a great turn of foot,” Payne said.

“Luckily enough Steps In Time drew inside us and she looked the main speed in the race so we got cover beautifully behind her and she was saved for one last crack at them.”

Trainer Darren Weir was excited by the win and said his star galloper would now head to the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate eve where she will take on the country’s best sprinters on Cox Plate eve.

“She (Payne) had a plan to follow that horse, sit in behind as long as she could and produce her late and it worked out beautifully,” Weir said.

“She’s been a ripper and gives 110 per cent every time she goes out so we’ll head to the Manikato now.”

“They’ve (Manikato Stakes and Patinack Farm Classic) been the two goals with the horse when we came into work if she was going good enough.”

“Obviously she gets better as she races so I think she’s worthy of a spot there.”

The $1,000,000 Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) will be held on Friday 25th october 2013 under lights at Moonee Valley, with the prestigious WS Cox Plate meeting taking place the following day.